Home, Home on the Range

Moss Side last night was a Labour fortress, but neighbouring Whalley Range is far from it. Not long ago it was almost as safe. In 2001 I was agent and we polled record figures in a by-election alongside the General Election. But in 2003 a couple of months after the war had begun there were signs of meltdown seeping from every pore.

Before Labour started making inroads around 20 years before this had been a pretty strong Tory seat. But as with so many wards in Manchester the Tories were bundled out in pretty quick order just as Maggie Thatcher took the country by storm.

For a long time the remaining Tory voters kept the faith but once the new style Lib Dems began to build on the minimal old Liberal vote, about six or so years back, the Tories twitched and many switched on an anything-but-Labour wave.

All the classic Lib Dem tricks and gimmicks came into play. Calling it a two-horse race when still very much the third party. Barmy bar charts based on who knows what statistics. And all the usual "Effective Opposition" wheezes. You know. Being shameless, exaggerating mercilessly, taking credit, and telling porkies. I think this last is technically known as 'flirting with the truth'.

But there are some down right lies. In some cases "Focus" hardly has a single item in it which isn't false in some way. Even the name of their party begins to seem a bit of a stretch. And clearly if you are building an oppositional alliance there really is no scope for revealling any kind of political position.

Just a counsel of perfection. "Forth Bridge Needs Repainting Shock". "There's a Pothole Outside Number 10". "Leaves Fall From Trees Again This Autumn". All subtitled 'what is Labour doing about this?'.

Classic Labour response doesn't even involve much rebuttal. And as the drip, drip, drip continues residents start to think there must be some truth in their Focus. Even the bar charts and the two horse race clip art starts to look credible.

Having said all that. This was still a very safe ward for Labour nowithstanding some pockets of Tories and Libs.

The war changed everything. Even what was probably one of the most socialist and anti-war local parties in the country, in ditto constituency, was not safe. In fact a cushion of 700 votes turned into a 500 crash mat.

So here we are. On the Egerton Estate. As far as the postcode and the AtoZ and the residents are concerned this is Chorlton and that in itself is a source of opposition. This estate is the one place in the ward where Tory house posters, even garden posters appear in any number. And pre-war it was probably the first foothold for the Tory-lite Lib Dems.

But there are Labour supporters. Quite a few members and activists too. But it must be said this is in at the deep end when it comes to canvassing.

I take one avenue in the heart of this private 1930s semi-detached estate. Out. Non-voter but wants to chat. Might spoil ballot or vote for UKIP. Out. Member, still firm Labour. Asks about Tony's vote on Top Up Fees. Reassurance both ways. Out, out, undecided, rock solid Labour, students x 4 (out), just moving in from Stretford (will get registration form for next time, she will vote at other home), non-voter. Then young Asian family. Man says undecided, normally Labour, undecided. Feisty woman says definitely not Labour. Over war. Tony having voted against war on all four ballots is much appreciated but irrelevant. They are cheerful and friendly.

Cross the street. First house I remember well from 2003 and 2004. But there's no answer. So I move on. Next house another Asian family. Feel strong Labour affinity but troubled by war. Appreciate our activism in the area. This has been on war. On Post Offices. On Metrolink. I remind them of Tony's record and hope they will be able to continue to support their MP, given his record.

The first house has now answered. I go back. I haven't left a catalogue 'cos I'm not the Betterware man. No such luck. These lifelong Labour supporters are furious with Blair. The wife hates him with a vengeance. She is shaking. Almost crying. She says Mr Howard is a nicer person. Last year she had said Margaret Thatcher so there is some movement. They know Tony Lloyd well. They know he is a serious, thoughtful, helpful representative. The husband promises his vote. The wife may vote Blair hoping for Brown. There are deep feelings here which would be recognised by many party members.

Out. Next comes a wobbly streak. Man comes to door muttering "no thank you" shaking his head and muttering some more. He says no-one in this house is voting. I don't know his name but he is certainly not on the register here. There are two women and a teenage boy registered. He agrees he is not. He doesn't live in the ward or the constituency. Can I speak to the others? They're here but, no I cannot. They are not voting. How does he know? Because they've discussed it. I move on. He follows me soon after and let's himself in to the neighbouring house. They're not in.

This is bizarre. All kinds of ideas buzz through my head. Family bound and gagged in back room? Religious sect? Best not to dwell.

Next house. No knocker. No bell. Locked porch. Attempt knock and kitchen door opens. Tory in 1997. Labour in 2001. Would vote BNP if they stood. Otherwise he's one of ours. Or possibly back to Tories. He says he is watching himself on the TV. Seems there are confused floating voters being interviewed.

His issues are Law and Order, Immigration, and distant third Hospitals. I say that Labour are strong on law and order and second party here are very weak. I don't want to discuss immigration with him. I have five minutes left. And though I could start bragging about Labour's toughness on the subject, that's not going to happen. I try a quick appeal on the third issue. It's distant but this will be the one. He mostly goes private but realises that some day he may not be able to, that his family and friends need free hospitals, that Tories may dismantle them.

Onwards. Non-voter, undecided with dinner in the oven (Lib Dem), out, out, out. The outs have it as usual. But we have a very slight edge on the voters who expressed a firm or probable preference. And better still on underlying affinity.

I can't wait to go back tomorrow to tackle the outs.